Key information generation system and key information generation method

ABSTRACT

This key information generation system generates key information required when using a shared vehicle, and imparts this key information to a mobile terminal. Authentication is performed between a mobile terminal containing the imparted key information, and an authentication device provided to a vehicle, and if said authentication is successful, the mobile terminal enables operation of the vehicle via the authentication device. The key information generation system includes: an information management unit which manages, by associating with one another, individual information for the authentication device, a key information generation code, and usage information pertaining to the use of the authentication device; and a key information generation unit which specifies a key information generation code from individual information and usage information managed by being associated with one another by the information management unit, and generates key information on the basis of the key information generation code.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a key information generation system and a method for generating key information in which key information is generated and registered to a portable terminal.

BACKGROUND ART

A known example of a sharing system in which the same device is shared by a number of persons is a car sharing system in which the same vehicle is used by a number of persons (refer to Patent Documents 1 and 2). In this type of car sharing system, a user registers for use of the car sharing in advance. After making a reservation to use a vehicle with a portable terminal (high-performance mobile phone etc.), the user is allowed to use the vehicle during a reserved period of time.

PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS Patent Documents

Patent Document 1: Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2016-115077

Patent Document 2: Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2016-71834

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The inventors of the present invention are studying how to allow the portable terminal to be used as a key by registering key information to the portable terminal. The key information is for authentication when using the vehicle. For example, the portable terminal of the user transmits items, which are input by the user and necessary for generating key information, through a network to a data center. The data center generates key information based on the received necessary items and transmits the generated key information through the network to the portable terminal of the user. The portable terminal of the user receives the key information through the network from the data center. In this case, highly confidential information is input to the portable terminal and transmitted through the network. This may result in security issues.

It is an objective of the present disclosure to provide a key information generation system and a method for generating key information in which security is provided for the key information generation.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, a key information generation system is provided. In the key information generation system, key information necessary when using a shared vehicle is generated and assigned to a portable terminal. Authentication is performed with the portable terminal including the assigned key information and an authentication device arranged in the vehicle. When the authentication is successful, the portable terminal is allowed to operate the vehicle with the authentication device. The key information generation system includes an information management unit and a key information generation unit. The information management unit associates and manages individual information of the authentication device, a key information generation code necessary for generating the key information, and usage information related to use of the authentication device. The key information generation unit obtains the key information generation code using the individual information and the usage information, which are associated and managed by the information management unit, and generates the key information based on the key information generation code.

With the present configuration, for example, during market use where a user actually uses the vehicle, when a request for issuance of key information is received from the user, the usage information is obtained from the user through network communication, and the individual information and the key information generation code are obtained using the usage information at a data center or the like to generate key information. Thus, the usage information of the authentication device is the only information transmitted through the network when generating the key information during market use. In this case, the individual information and the like of the authentication device, which is confidential information, does not have to be transmitted. This ensures security of the key information generation.

In the key information generation system, it is preferred that the usage information be setting information that allows the vehicle to be identified. With this configuration, the setting information that allows the vehicle to be identified is, for example, a vehicle number or the like. Thus, the usage information can be input, for example, by inputting only the vehicle number or the like. This simplifies the registration procedure of the usage information.

In the key information generation system, it is preferred that the individual information be a serial number of the authentication device. With this configuration, the individual information can be input by inputting only the serial number of the authentication device. This simplifies the registration procedure of the individual information.

In the key information generation system, it is preferred that the information management unit associate the individual information and the key information generation code when the authentication device is manufactured and shipped out of a factory, and the information management unit associate the individual information and the usage information during market registration when the authentication device is installed in the vehicle. With this configuration, the association of the individual information and the key information generation code of the authentication device can be managed in the factory which is isolated from the outside. This ensures security in managing the associations. Further, the individual information and the usage information of the authentication device are associated when attaching the authentication device to the vehicle. In this manner, the individual information and the usage information are associated during market registration. This avoids input errors when associating the individual information and the usage information.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for generating key information is provided. In the method for generating key information, key information necessary when using a shared vehicle is generated and assigned to a portable terminal. Authentication is performed with the portable terminal including the assigned key information and an authentication device arranged in the vehicle. When the authentication is successful, the portable terminal is allowed to operate the vehicle with the authentication device. The method for generating key information includes the steps of associating and managing individual information of the authentication device, a key information generation code necessary for generating the key information, and usage information related to use of the authentication device. The method for generating key information also includes a step of obtaining the key information generation code using the individual information and the usage information, which are associated and managed, and generating the key information based on the key information generation code.

Effects of the Invention

The present disclosure provides security for the key information generation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a key information generation system in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a key information authentication procedure.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a process from generation to assignment of key information.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of the tasks performed during factory ship-out.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of the tasks performed during market registration.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of the tasks performed during market use.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

One embodiment of a key information generation system and a method for generating key information will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6.

As shown in FIG. 1, a vehicle 1 includes an electronic key system 4 in which ID verification is performed through wireless communication established with an electronic key 2 to permit or execute actuation of an in-vehicle device 3. The electronic key system 4 is a key-operation-free system in which ID verification (smart verification) is performed through near-range wireless communication when communication is established with the vehicle 1. The vehicle 1 includes the in-vehicle device 3 and an authentication device 11. For example, the in-vehicle device 3 includes a door lock device of a vehicle door and an engine.

The electronic key system 4 includes a system device 5 that actuates the electronic key system 4 in the vehicle 1. The electronic key 2 and the system device 5 store an electronic key ID and a key-unique code used for smart verification. The electronic key 2 and the system device 5 perform smart verification through bidirectional communication in which radio waves are transferred between the electronic key 2 and the system device 5. For example, the smart verification performs electronic key ID verification that checks the authenticity of an electronic key ID or a challenge-response authentication that uses the key-unique code. The system device 5 transmits radio waves to the electronic key 2 using radio waves in a low frequency (LF) band, and the electronic key 2 transmits radio waves to the system device 5 using radio waves in an ultra-high frequency (UHF) band.

The system device 5 establishes smart communication (exterior smart communication) that is a communication sequence of bidirectional communication established between the system device 5 and the electronic key 2, which is located outside the vehicle. When the smart verification (exterior smart verification) is successful, the system device 5 permits or executes locking and unlocking of the vehicle door with the door lock device. In this manner, when a user touches an outside door handle, the system device 5 unlocks the vehicle door with the door lock device. When a user operates a lock button on the outside door handle, the system device 5 locks the vehicle door with the door lock device. Further, the system device 5 establishes smart communication (interior smart communication) between the system device 5 and the electronic key 2, which is located inside the vehicle. When the smart verification (interior smart verification) is successful, the system device 5 permits transition operations of a vehicle power source. In this manner, when an engine switch is pressed while a brake pedal is depressed, the engine will be started.

In one embodiment, the vehicle 1 is a vehicle shared by a number of persons. The vehicle 1 includes a sharing system 9 that is generally referred to as a car sharing system. In the sharing system 9, a portable terminal 8 carried by a user can operate the vehicle 1 within a specified period of time reserved by the user. In one example of the sharing system 9, the portable terminal 8 receives and registers encrypted key information Dk from an external device (data center 10 in present example) and authenticates the key information Dk with the authentication device 11 of the vehicle 1. One condition for operating the vehicle 1 is authentication of the key information Dk. The key information Dk is, for example, one type of a code including an element limiting usage time. Preferably, the key information Dk is a one-time code (one-time password) that can be used only once or only within a fixed time period.

The portable terminal 8 includes a terminal control unit 13, a network communication module 14, a near-range wireless communication module 15, and a memory 16. The terminal control unit 13 controls actuation of the portable terminal 8. The network communication module 14 performs network communication in the portable terminal 8. The near-range wireless communication module 15 performs near-range wireless communication in the portable terminal 8. Data is readable from and rewritable to the memory 16. The portable terminal 8 obtains the key information Dk through network communication from the data center 10 and writes and stores the key information Dk in the memory 16. Preferably, the near-range wireless communication is, for example, Bluetooth® communication.

The portable terminal 8 includes a user interface application 17 that manages actuation of the sharing system 9 in the portable terminal 8. The user interface application 17 is provided in the terminal control unit 13. For example, the user interface application 17 is downloaded from the data center 10 to the terminal control unit 13. The terminal control unit 13 executes the user interface application 17 to perform various types of operations such as a procedure for using the vehicle 1 (personal verification, reservation procedure), locking and unlocking of the vehicle door with the door lock device, and starting of the engine of the vehicle 1.

The authentication device 11 includes a key information authentication unit 20, a key function unit 21, and a memory 22. The key information authentication unit 20 authenticates the key information Dk registered in the portable terminal 8. The key function unit 21 actuates the authentication device 11 in the same manner as the electronic key 2. Data is readable from and rewritable to the memory 22. The key information authentication unit 20 obtains the key information Dk through near-range wireless communication from the portable terminal 8 and authenticates the key information Dk. When the key information Dk is authenticated, the key information authentication unit 20 switches the key function unit 21 to an ON-state (enabled). When the key function unit 21 is shifted to an ON-state, the key function unit 21 is allowed to perform smart communication (smart verification) with the system device 5 of the electronic key system 4.

FIG. 2 shows an authentication procedure of the key information Dk. In step 101 of FIG. 2, the portable terminal 8 performs personal verification through network communication with the data center 10. For example, the personal verification confirms a user ID and a password that are assigned when registering for use of the sharing system 9.

In step 102, the portable terminal 8 performs a procedure for reserving the vehicle 1 through network communication with the data center 10. For example, in the reservation procedure, the portable terminal 8 receives information input by the user, such as the identity of the vehicle that will be used and the date and time of the usage, and transmits the information to the data center 10.

In step 103, when the personal verification is successful, the data center 10 generates the key information Dk and transmits the generated key information Dk through network communication to the portable terminal 8. In this case, the data center 10 generates the key information Dk using the information obtained in the reservation procedure. The key information Dk in the present example includes ciphertext generated by inputting information such as “reserved date and time”, “terminal ID”, and “user authentication code” that are expressed in plain text and an encryption code (e.g. authentication device unique code) of the authentication device 11 arranged in the reserved vehicle to a cipher (encryption algorithm). The terminal ID is an ID unique to the portable terminal 8. The user authentication code is, for example, one type of a code that is encrypted and transmitted between the portable terminal 8 and the authentication device 11 when operating a vehicle with the portable terminal 8. When the portable terminal 8 receives the key information Dk from the data center 10, the portable terminal 8 writes and stores the key information Dk in the memory 16.

In step 104, when starting use of the reserved vehicle, the portable terminal 8 transmits the registered key information Dk through near-range wireless communication. The key information Dk is, for example, transmitted to the authentication device 11 using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE).

In step 105, the authentication device 11 receives the key information Dk from the portable terminal 8 and authenticates the key information Dk. In the present example, the authentication device 11 decrypts the key information Dk with the encryption code (e.g. authentication device-specific code) and checks whether the decryption is successful. When the decryption of the key information Dk is successful, the authentication device 11 obtains “reserved date and time”, “terminal ID”, and “user authentication code” from the key information Dk. This allows the portable terminal 8 to operate the reserved vehicle 1 for the reserved specified period of time.

When the key information Dk is authenticated, the authentication device 11 is shifted to an “authentication completed state” of the key information Dk and the key function unit 21 is turned ON (smart function enabled). Thus, the key function unit 21 performs smart communication (smart function) with the system device 5 of the electronic key system 4. Further, when the key information Dk is authenticated, the authentication device 11 writes and stores the key information Dk and the user authentication code in the memory 22.

When the key information Dk is authenticated, the authentication device 11 performs near-range wireless communication to notify the portable terminal 8 of the user authentication code obtained through the authentication. The portable terminal 8 receives the user authentication code from the authentication device 11 and registers the user authentication code to the memory 16. In this manner, the user authentication code is registered to both of the portable terminal 8 and the authentication device 11. Accordingly, when the portable terminal 8 operates the vehicle 1 with the authentication device 11, the user authentication code will be used in encrypted communication established between the portable terminal 8 and the authentication device 11.

As shown in FIG. 3, a key information generation system 27 that generates the key information Dk includes the data center 10, a factory 25, and a registration tool 26. The key information generation system 27 performs a registration procedure. Examples of the registration procedure include “factory ship-out”, “market registration”, and “market use”. Factory ship-out refers to the registration procedure performed when the authentication device 11 is shipped out of the factory 25 that manufactures the authentication device 11. Market registration refers to the registration procedure performed when attaching the authentication device 11 to the vehicle 1. Market use refers to the registration procedure performed when a user uses (reserves) the vehicle 1. The registration tool 26 is configured to establish wireless communication or wired communication with the authentication device 11 and establish network communication with the data center 10.

The key information generation system 27 includes an information management unit 30 that manages multiple types of information that are associated with one another and necessary for the generation of the key information Dk. The information management unit 30 is arranged in the data center 10. The information management unit 30 associates individual information S1 of the authentication device 11, a key information generation code S2 necessary for generating the key information Dk, and usage information S3 related to the use of the authentication device 11. The information management unit 30 stores and manages the associated individual information S1, key information generation code S2, and usage information S3 in a database 31 of the data center 10. The database 31 stores the individual information S1, the key information generation code S2, the usage information S3, and information that associates the individual information S1, the key information generation code S2, and the usage information S3. That is, the association of the individual information S1, the key information generation code S2, and the usage information S3 are managed in the database 31. In one embodiment, the individual information S1 is, for example, a serial number of the authentication device 11. The key information generation code S2 is, for example, a code that is a source of the encryption code for encrypting a group of parameters such as “reserved time” when generating the key information Dk. In the case of the vehicle 1, the usage information S3 is setting information associated with where the authentication device 11 is set. For example, the usage information S3 (setting information) is a vehicle number.

The key information generation system 27 includes a key information generation unit 32 that generates the key information Dk from the multiple types of associated information managed by the information management unit 30. The key information generation unit 32 is arranged in the data center 10. The key information generation unit 32 obtains the key information generation code S2 using the individual information S1 and the usage information S3 managed by the information management unit 30 and generates the key information Dk from the key information generation code S2.

The operation and advantages of the key information generation system 27 of the present embodiment will now be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6.

FIG. 4 illustrates a procedure of the tasks performed when shipped out of a factory. In step 201 of FIG. 4, a writing device in the factory 25 writes the individual information S1 and the key information generation code S2, which is assigned to the authentication device 11, to the authentication device 11. The wiring procedure may be performed through wireless communication or wired communication. In another example, a technician in the factory 25 may input the individual information S1 and the key information generation code S2 to the authentication device 11.

In step 202, the authentication device 11 stores the individual information S1 obtained at the factory 25 in the memory 22.

In step 203, the authentication device 11 stores the key information generation code S2 obtained at the factory 25 in the memory 22.

In step 204, a communication device in the factory 25 notifies the data center 10 of the individual information S1 and the key information generation code S2, which are written to the authentication device 11, through network communication. In another example, a technician in the factory 25 notifies the data center 10 of the individual information S1 and the key information generation code S2, which are written to the authentication device 11, by delivering a paper medium. Notification of the individual information S1 and the key information generation code S2 do not have to be performed through network communication or by delivering paper medium and may be performed by any of various types of other means.

In step 205, the information management unit 30 of the data center 10 receives the notification of the individual information S1 and the key information generation code S2 from the factory 25, associates the individual information S1 and the key information generation code S2, and writes and manages the associated individual information S1 and key information generation code S2 to the database 31 for management.

FIG. 5 illustrates a procedure of the tasks performed during market registration. In step 301 of FIG. 5, the registration tool 26 performs a registering technician privilege check to confirm that the market registration is performed by an authorized technician. For example, the registering technician privilege check is performed by checking a technician ID, a password, and the like.

In step 302, when the privilege of the registered technician is confirmed, the registration tool 26 reads the individual information S1 of the authentication device 11. In this case, the registration tool 26 transmits an individual information read request to the authentication device 11.

In step 303, the authentication device 11 receives the individual information read request from the registration tool 26 and provides the individual information S1, which is registered in the memory 22, to the registration tool 26.

In step 304, when the registration tool 26 receives the individual information S1 from the authentication device 11, the registration tool 26 receives the usage information S3 related to the use of the authentication device 11. In the present example, the usage information S3 includes information (vehicle number in present example) that determines the identity of vehicle 1 in which the authentication device 11 is installed. In another example, various types of information can be applied as the usage information S3. In the present example, the technician operates a group of buttons arranged on the registration tool to input the usage information S3 of the authentication device 11 to the registration tool. Thus, the registration tool receives the usage information S3 of the authentication device 11 input by the technician.

In step 305, the registration tool 26 notifies the data center 10 of the individual information S1 and the usage information S3 input to the registration tool 26 through network communication. In another example, the notification of the individual information S1 and the usage information S3 does not have to be performed through network communication and may be performed through various types of means such as by delivering paper medium.

In step 306, the information management unit 30 of the data center 10 receives the notification of the individual information S1 and the usage information S3 from the registration tool 26. The information management unit 30 associates the individual information S1 and the usage information S3 and writes the associated individual information S1 and usage information S3 in the database 31 for management. In the present example, the information management unit 30 receives the notification of the individual information S1 and the usage information S3 from the registration tool 26, associates the individual information S1, the key information generation code S2, and the usage information S3 based on the individual information S1 and the key information generation code S2 stored in the database 31, and writes the associated individual information S1, key information generation code S2, and usage information S3 to the database 31 for management.

FIG. 6 illustrates a procedure of the tasks performed during market use. In step 401 of FIG. 6, the portable terminal 8 performs personal verification required for a user to use the vehicle 1 with the portable terminal 8. For example, a user inputs a user ID and a password, which are assigned when registering for use of the sharing system 9, to the portable terminal 8. The portable terminal 8 receives the user ID and the password and transmits the information through network communication to the data center 10.

When the data center 10 receives the information for personal verification from the portable terminal 8, the data center 10 uses the information to verify the identity of the user. When determining that the user ID and the password are valid, the data center 10 acknowledges accomplishment of personal verification and continues the process. When determining that the user ID and the password are invalid, for example, when the user ID and the password cannot be confirmed, the data center 10 acknowledges non-accomplishment of personal verification and forcibly ends the process.

In step 402, the data center 10 transmits a notification of the personal verification result through network communication to the portable terminal 8.

In step 403, after the personal verification is completed, the portable terminal 8 performs a procedure for reserving the vehicle 1. In the present example, the portable terminal 8 receives information input by the user that is necessary for the reservation procedure. For example, the information necessary for the reservation procedure includes the identity of the vehicle that will be used and the date and time of the usage. The information necessary for the reservation procedure may further include the usage information S3 (e.g. vehicle number and the like) of the authentication device 11.

In step 404, when the portable terminal 8 accepts the user input of the information necessary for the reservation procedure, the portable terminal 8 transmits a request for permission to use the vehicle 1 through network communication to the data center 10. In the present example, the usage permission request includes the identity of the vehicle that will be used, the date and time of the usage, the usage information S3 of the authentication device 11, and the ID of the portable terminal (terminal ID), which were input when performing the procedure for using the vehicle 1.

In step 405, the key information generation unit 32 of the data center 10 receives the usage permission request from the portable terminal 8 and accesses the database 31 to identify the authentication device 11 that is the subject of reservation, which is associated with the usage information S3 included in the usage permission request. The key information generation unit 32 obtains the individual information S1 of the identified authentication device 11 of the reservation subject. In other words, the key information generation unit 32 of the data center 10 accesses the database 31 and identifies the authentication device 11 of the presently reserved subject based on the usage information S3 included in the usage permission request.

In step 406, the key information generation unit 32 of the data center 10 accesses the database 31 to obtain the key information generation code S2 that is to be used and is associated with the obtained individual information S1. In other words, the key information generation unit 32 accesses the database 31 to determine the key information generation code S2 that is to be presently used based on the obtained individual information S1.

In step 407, the key information generation unit 32 of the data center 10 generates the key information Dk from the obtained key information generation code S2 and assigns the key information Dk to the portable terminal 8. In the present example, the key information generation unit 32 generates an encryption code, which is used when generating the key information Dk, from the obtained key information generation code S2. For example, the key information generation unit 32 generates the key information Dk by inputting “reserved date and time”, “terminal ID”, and “user authentication code”, which are expressed in plain text, and the encryption code (e.g. authentication device unique code), which is generated from the key information generation code S2, to a cipher (encryption algorithm).

In step 408, the key information generation unit 32 of the data center 10 notifies the portable terminal 8 of the generated key information Dk through network communication. The portable terminal 8 receives the key information Dk from the data center 10 and registers the key information Dk to the memory 16.

In step 409, the portable terminal 8 obtains permission to use the vehicle 1 from the authentication device 11 with the key information Dk. In other words, when the key information Dk undergoes authentication through a process similar to step 104 and step 105 and the authentication is successful, the same user authentication code will be registered to both of the portable terminal 8 and the authentication device 11. This allows the portable terminal 8 to operate the vehicle with the authentication device 11.

In the present example, during market use where a user actually uses the vehicle 1, when the portable terminal 8 receives a request for issuance of the key information Dk from the user, the data center 10 obtains the usage information S3 through network communication from the portable terminal 8. The data center 10 finds the individual information S1 and the key information generation code S2 of the authentication device 11 with the obtained usage information S3 to generate the key information Dk. Thus, the usage information S3 of the authentication device 11 is the only information transmitted through the network when generating key information during market use. In this case, the individual information S1 and the like of the authentication device 11, which is confidential information, does not have to be transmitted. This provides security for key information generation.

The usage information S3 is the setting information (information indicating which vehicle 1 includes authentication device 11) used to identify the vehicle 1. For example, the setting information used to identify the vehicle 1 includes a vehicle number. Thus, the usage information S3 can be input by inputting only the vehicle number or the like. This simplifies the registration procedure of the usage information S3.

For example, the individual information S1 is a serial number of the authentication device 11. In this case, the individual information S1 can be input by inputting only the serial number of the authentication device 11. This simplifies the registration procedure of the individual information S1.

The information management unit 30 associates the individual information S1 and the key information generation code S2 after the authentication device 11 is manufactured and during factory ship-out and associates the individual information S1 and the usage information S3 during market registration when the authentication device 11 is installed in the vehicle 1. Thus, the association of the individual information S1 and the key information generation code S2 of the authentication device 11 can be managed in the factory which is isolated from the outside. This ensures security for association managements. Further, the individual information S1 and the usage information S3 of the authentication device 11 are associated when attaching the authentication device 11 to the vehicle 1. In this manner, the individual information S1 and the usage information S3 are associated during market registration. This avoids errors when associating the individual information S1 and the usage information S3.

The present embodiment may be modified as follows. The present embodiment and the following modifications can be combined as long as the combined modifications remain technically consistent with each other.

The individual information S1 and the key information generation code S2 may be associated through any procedure. Further, the individual information S1, the key information generation code S2, and the usage information S3 may be associated through any procedure.

The individual information S1 may be any unique information assigned to each authentication device 11.

The key information generation code S2 is not limited to a code that is the source of the encryption code used to generate the key information Dk. The key information generation code S2 may be any information related to the generation of the key information Dk.

The usage information S3 is not limited to the setting information and may be any information indicating where the authentication device 11 is attached.

The information management unit 30 and the key information generation unit 32 may be arranged at a location other than the data center 10.

The authentication device 11 may be retrofitted to the vehicle 1 or installed in the vehicle 1 in advance.

The authentication device 11 may be mounted anywhere on a vehicle body.

The reservation procedure of the vehicle 1 does not have to be performed with the portable terminal 8 and may be performed with another terminal.

The key information Dk is not limited to a one-time code and may be any information including an element limiting usage time.

The content included in the key information Dk may be changed from that of the embodiment.

The key information Dk does not have to be generated at the data center 10 and may be generated at any external facility.

The portable terminal 8 is not limited to a high-performance mobile phone and may be changed to various types of terminals.

The portable terminal 8 and the authentication device 11 may obtain the user authentication code through any procedure and methods.

The key function (key function unit 21) may be turned on under any condition.

The operation-free electronic key system 4 is not limited to a system in which smart verification is performed by transmitters located inside and outside a vehicle determining whether the electronic key 2 is located inside or outside the vehicle. For example, the electronic key system 4 may be a system in which antennas (LF antennas) located on left and right sides of the vehicle body determine the location of the electronic key 2 inside and outside the vehicle by transmitting radio waves and checking the combination of responses from the electronic key 2.

The ID verification required in the electronic key system 4 is not limited to the verification including a challenge-response authentication. Alternatively, the ID verification may include any authentication or verification that at least performs ID verification on an electronic key.

The electronic key system 4 may be, for example, a wireless key system in which ID verification is performed when communication is established with the electronic key 2.

The electronic key 2 is not limited to Smart Key® and may be a wireless key.

The near-range wireless communication is not limited to Bluetooth® communication and may be established through another communication protocol.

Various types of frequencies and communication protocols may be applied to communication between the electronic key 2 and the system device 5, communication between the portable terminal 8 and the authentication device 11, communication between the system device 5 and the authentication device 11, and communication between the portable terminal 8 and the data center 10.

The encryption code used for authentication and encrypted communication may be, for example, any of the key information Dk, the authentication device-specific code, the user authentication code, and the key-unique code. For example, switching encryption codes during the process will be further advantageous for ensuring the communication security. Further, the encryption code used is not limited to the above-mentioned codes and may be changed to various types of codes.

The system device 5 and the authentication device 11 do not have to establish wireless communication and may be connected by wire. In this case, the authentication device 11 transmits various types of commands to the system device 5 through wired communication. Even in this case, the system device 5 can be actuated by instructions from the authentication device 11.

The authentication device 11 does not have to use the electronic key system 4 to operate the vehicle 1. In this case, the authentication device 11 directly transmits an instruction to a controller (CPU) that controls operations of the vehicle 1 to operate the vehicle 1. In this configuration, the key function of the authentication device 11 can be omitted.

In the above embodiment, the system device 5, the authentication device 11, the terminal control unit 13, and the information management unit 30 may each include one or more dedicated circuits or one or more processors. Further, the memories 16 and 22 (non-transitory computer-readable storage medium) may store one or more programs including commands that are executable by one or more processors. When executed, the commands are configured to have the processors perform the key information generation process in accordance with the present disclosure. For example, the programs include commands that are configured to have the processors perform processes corresponding to steps 201 to 205 of the sequence illustrated in FIG. 4, steps 301 to 306 of the sequence illustrated in FIG. 5, and steps 401 to 407 of the sequence illustrated in FIG. 6. Therefore, the present disclosure also allows a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that stores such a program to be provided. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A key information generation system in which key information necessary when using a shared vehicle is generated and assigned to a portable terminal, wherein authentication is performed with the portable terminal including the assigned key information and an authentication device arranged in the vehicle, and when the authentication is successful, the portable terminal is allowed to operate the vehicle with the authentication device, the system comprising: an information management unit that associates and manages individual information of the authentication device, a key information generation code necessary for generating the key information, and usage information related to use of the authentication device; and a key information generation unit that obtains the key information generation code using the individual information and the usage information, which are associated and managed by the information management unit, and generates the key information based on the key information generation code, wherein the information management unit associates the individual information and the key information generation code when the authentication device is manufactured and shipped out of a factory, and the information management unit associates the individual information and the usage information during market registration when the authentication device is installed in the vehicle.
 2. The key information generation system according to claim 1, wherein the usage information is setting information that allows the vehicle to be identified.
 3. The key information generation system according to claim 1, wherein the individual information is a serial number of the authentication device.
 4. A method for generating key information in which key information necessary when using a shared vehicle is generated and assigned to a portable terminal, wherein authentication is performed with the portable terminal including the assigned key information and an authentication device arranged in the vehicle, and when the authentication is successful, the portable terminal is allowed to operate the vehicle with the authentication device, the method comprising: associating and managing individual information of the authentication device, a key information generation code necessary for generating the key information, and usage information related to use of the authentication device; obtaining the key information generation code using the individual information and the usage information, which are associated and managed, and generating the key information based on the key information generation code, and associating the individual information and the key information generation code when the authentication device is manufactured and shipped out of a factory, and associating the individual information and the usage information during market registration when the authentication device is installed in the vehicle. 